In a nail-biting finish, the Green Bay Packers emerged victorious over the Carolina Panthers with a final score of 33-30. Mason Carlson's clutch field goal with just 19 seconds left on the clock secured the win for the Packers, keeping their playoff hopes alive.

Trailing by a touchdown, the Panthers managed to tie the score at 30-30 with 4:05 remaining in the fourth quarter. However, the Packers swiftly mounted a comeback with a 36-yard completion from quarterback Jordan Love to wide receiver Romeo Doubs on a crucial third-and-4 play. Love then connected with tight end Tucker Kraft for a crucial 20-yard gain, bringing the Packers to the Carolina 13-yard line with just 1:54 left in the game.

With a field goal in sight, Green Bay strategically played for the kick, ultimately relying on Carlson to deliver the winning shot. The rookie kicker rose to the occasion, nailing a 53-yard field goal – the longest of his NFL career – to secure the victory for the Packers. Carlson's impressive performance added to his successful NFL debut season, where he has made 24-of-29 field-goal attempts and 29-of-33 extra-point kicks.

Notably, Carlson was one of the 16 former Auburn players who took the field on the 16th Sunday of the NFL's 104th season. Joining him in the Green Bay-Carolina game were Derrick Brown, who started at defensive end for the Panthers and made nine tackles, and Packers safety Rudy Ford, who contributed two tackles on special teams. Panthers outside linebacker Eku Leota was designated as a game-day inactive, while Packers defensive lineman Colby Wooden made one tackle. Panthers linebacker Chandler Wooten remained on injured reserve and was unable to play.

In other Sunday games, the Atlanta Falcons defeated the Indianapolis Colts 29-10, where Colts offensive tackle Braden Smith was listed as a game-day inactive due to a knee injury. The Cleveland Browns triumphed over the Houston Texans 36-22, with Texans offensive tackle Kilian Zierer on injured reserve. The New York Jets narrowly claimed victory over the Washington Commanders with a final score of 30-28. Jets defensive end Carl Lawson made one tackle in his first appearance since November 12, while Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood recorded no stats. Jets tight end C.J. Uzomah remained on injured reserve.

The Seattle Seahawks secured a close 20-17 win against the Tennessee Titans. Marlon Davidson started at defensive tackle for the Titans, making two tackles and one tackle for loss. Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall also contributed with two tackles and one tackle for loss. Titans cornerback Roger McCreary made seven tackles, while Titans quarterback Malik Willis was dressed for the game but did not play.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers dominated the Jacksonville Jaguars in a 30-12 victory. Buccaneers running back K.J. Britt made one tackle, while cornerback Carlton Davis made two tackles before leaving the game for a head injury evaluation. Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean made four tackles. Jaguars safety Daniel Thomas exited the game with an arm injury and did not record any stats. Jaguars wide receiver Seth Williams remained on the practice squad and did not play, while Jaguars defensive tackle Angelo Blackson was listed as a game-day inactive.

The Chicago Bears emerged victorious over the Arizona Cardinals with a final score of 27-16. Cardinals linebacker Owen Pappoe made two tackles in his first NFL start, while Cardinals tight end John Samuel Shenker remained on the practice squad.

In the matchup between the Miami Dolphins and the Dallas Cowboys, the Dolphins triumphed with a close 22-20 win. Dolphins defensive tackle Byron Cowart remained on the practice squad, while Cowboys cornerback Noah Igbinoghene was listed as a game-day inactive. Dolphins wide receiver Anthony Schwartz also remained on the practice squad.

The New England Patriots secured a 26-23 victory over the Denver Broncos. Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones started at left cornerback, contributing one tackle and one pass breakup. Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham dressed for the game but did not play.

Week 16 of the NFL season began with a Thursday night matchup where the Los Angeles Chargers defeated the New Orleans Saints 30-22. On Saturday, the Pittsburgh Steelers triumphed over the Cincinnati Bengals with a final score of 34-11, and the Buffalo Bills narrowly defeated the New England Patriots 24-22.

Week 16 will conclude on Monday with three exciting matchups: Las Vegas Raiders versus Kansas City Chiefs at noon CST on CBS and Nickelodeon, New York Giants versus Philadelphia Eagles at 3:30 p.m. on FOX, and Baltimore Ravens versus San Francisco 49ers airing on ABC.